Being a brief Account of the Nature of Cosmos, Chaos and Void
Existence can be divided into Cosmos, Chaos and the Void.
The Cosmos is subject to number of natural forces, some of which the poorly taught may still be unfamiliar
Physics are Aristotelian. The movement of bodies and particles is less governed by universal laws than by natural tendencies. Rocks are not affected by "gravity", they are subject to a inherent inclination to fall. There may be unfulfilled rocks, unable to fall due to a basic flaw in their nature.
The world is composed of five elements, air (cold, dry), earth (hot, moist), fire (hot, dry), water (cold, moist) and aether (neither, nor). The aether is the fifth elements, invisible and intangible to most. It infuses the other elements and holds them in balance.
All true magic is based on the manipulation of the aether and the elements, whether through esoteric arts or through sorcery.
Life occurs due to a divinely infused vital energy. All elemental composites are infused with vitality, to some extent or another. As the world was created, it was also given life. While even the most foolish of knaves realizes that animals and plants live and die, grow and diminish, not all are aware that the same thing holds true for minerals.
Everything is living and growing to some extent, including mountains - veins of ore are alive, and they will grow back if properly tended. All living things may be subject to various diseases. The vital principle is also central to medicine.
Not only is everything alive, but the life force itself is to some extent aware of its surroundings. This means that life adapts actively to its surroundings, each generation having traits that their parents acquired or even simply needed. Perhaps the most striking example is the complexion of human subraces.
Animals that are fed well have larger offspring, or if they run a lot, their get will be faster. Plants that are exposed to hard winters give seed that are more resistant to cold...
To some extent this is also true of minerals. The most well known example is that sword steel which is heated and folded and beaten grows increasingly hard, but philosophers are searching for other examples.
The way of mortals is much influenced by the gyrations of the celestial bodies, and those knowledgable in Astrology can predict the future by watching the stars.
Outside, and behind Cosmos lies the roiling, original Chaos. It gnaws continually on the borders and edges of the Cosmos, like a turbulent ocean eroding a shore of limestone cliffs.
When order and balance is disrupted, it may break through, bringing destruction and corruption.
Inside and below Cosmos likes the static void. Gaping like an abyss beneath all that is, it is enthropy, the Ultimate Death of gods and creation alike.